Racing meant a lot to my identity as a high schooler. I was on the track and cross-country teams at my rural high school, and I was never more nervous than the day of a meet. During that teenage time of figuring out who I was, being a runner was an identifier I held onto when other things in my social world shifted. Which was why I took it especially hard the season I sustained a fascia injury in my left calf muscle that left me limping. Nothing seemed worse than being unable to run.  

I think of that injury nearly 20 years later for a few reasons. My cross-country coach asked me to compete in the districts race at the end of the season, hoping I’d score some points for the team, even though I could barely walk. I lined up at the start because I was a high school girl used to doing what I was told. I finished almost dead last, was in a lot of pain when I did, and never told off my coach for treating me like an asset instead of a person.  

By the following season, I had healed and I had a new coach, one who ran marathons as a hobby. “Listen to your body,” she said to our team, which I heard as “you’re the authority on what you can and should do on the course.” It was the first time I’d considered it. The fact that I can still see her on the front lawn of the high school saying this to a circle of runners doing pre-practice stretches is proof of how perspective-shifting it was for me.  

“Listen to your body” reframed my idea of working with my body rather than against it while running, of entering into a partnership with it rather than seeing it as something to tamp into submission. I never ran a race when it didn’t feel right again. 

Since high school, I’ve continued running and racing for pleasure. I enjoy a challenge and I’m competitive. I’m able to run sustainably by respecting my knees when they say I haven’t done enough base training, not hitting the trail if I haven’t adequately fueled and hydrated, and saying no to races that don’t feel right, even if I’ve already paid for them.  

Establishing a good relationship with racing has allowed me to connect with all the other beautiful things that the sport can provide. I love the running community in Spokane, the gear shops and run clubs, and I still love picking up a few races each year. I’ve run through loneliness, frustration, anxiety, sadness and joy. I’ve run alone and with a stroller, on roads and on trails, near rivers and up mountains. Running has been a companion that has helped me through life, more partnership than punishment, and one good coach helped me see it that way long ago. 

In this issue of Out There Venture, we’ve rounded up our Race, Ride and Event Guide, a collection of the races in our region from March through October for runners, cyclists, walkers, triathletes, swimmers and paddlers. It’s an exciting list. I hope it sparks some inspiration to explore our region and the community that comes with racing and outdoor activities. And I hope you race for you. 

• Lisa Laughlin, managing editor  

The post Learning to Race for Good  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Some runners perk up when winter rolls around, energized by crisp air, fresh snow and quiet streets. Other runners go into self-preservation mode when confronted with cold temperatures and a monotone landscape. Winter urges them to take to their blankets and burrow until spring. 

Whichever camp you fall within, making a winter running bucket list can make the season more enjoyable. As you check off unique-to-winter running experiences, you’ll also build endurance that will improve your running come spring—and you might create a new running tradition you’ll look forward to year after year. 

Sunrise Run 

Many runners thrive on the rosy-hued optimism that comes from running as the sun rises. But unless you’re a natural early bird, the wake-up time can be painful: In June, the sun is up before 5 a.m.! This season, schedule a run to coincide with a winter sunrise, which happens in the 7:00 hour in January and February. You’ll feel rejuvenated; you’ll still finish with your run relatively early; and you’ll get some vitamin D at a time when your stores might be low. 

First Snowfall Run 

Have you ever watched a little kid play in untouched snow? These young explorers show pure joy in exploring a never-before-seen landscape. You can feel some of this same joy this winter! Check the forecast and plan to be the first to blaze your own trail after a snowfall.  

Winter Group Run 

When the weather is unwelcoming, community is key. Plan a run with a friend or meet up with a group like Fleet Feet’s Winter Warriors or any of the area’s many running clubs. (Check out the Bloomsday Road Runners Club calendar at Brrc.net for ideas.) Runs pass by more quickly with company, and the darkness feels far less enveloping when you’re with others. 

Winter Race 

Force yourself to stay active by signing up for a winter race. Whether it’s a half marathon in a sunny state or something local like Spokane’s Partners in Pain, putting a formal running commitment on the calendar gives you something to work toward when motivation is low. With a goal to structure your runs around, it will be easier to stay active. You might discover a new favorite race or find that your winter race PR is faster than you expected. 

Make It an Event 

Friends and family make things more fun. If you are still building your running community, see what’s on the docket with the local running groups mentioned above. They likely have fun winter events on the agenda. Or plan something with your own running buddies, like: 

• A neon night run: Gather a group, plan a safe route and run decked out in neon and glow sticks. 

• Winter trail run: Visit someplace you usually only see in warmer weather. Notice the difference in the scenery, your pace and your state of mind.  

• Family pajama run: Run in your PJs, then get hot chocolate. 

• Galentine’s Day run: In February, gather some ladies who lunch run. After your run, have brunch or a crafternoon (or a “Parks and Recreation” marathon to celebrate the original Galentine’s Day).  

• Progressive run: Kind of like a progressive dinner (appetizers at one house, main course at another, dessert at a third). Do dynamic stretches at one house; run to a second house where you stop for water, fuel and a bathroom break; then run to the final house, where you have a post-run stretch and snack. 

Whatever goes on your winter running bucket list, the season will be more fun if you explore new things, stay active and spend time in community. 

Sarah Hauge is a writer and editor who lives in Spokane with her husband and two children. She is looking forward to her first snowy run this winter and is registered for a couple of spring half marathons.  

The post Winter Running Bucket List  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Ken Coburn

Nicole Coburn began running as a kid in British Columbia and has stuck with it through many seasons of life: while parenting young children, in times when she raced frequently, while going through a divorce and then dating her current husband, and in leadership with local running clubs. Nicole is Fleet Feet’s director of merchandising and coaches some of Fleet Feet’s running groups. Her husband Ken is a fellow runner. She has five children and two stepchildren. 

On how she got started 

I started running when I was in high school. I’m the oldest of 10 kids and it was a way to get out of the house, and to escape babysitting duties [laughs]. I had undiagnosed ADHD as a kid, so running was a really good way to focus my brain. I could go out for a run and come back refreshed. 

On the ways her running life has adapted 

I’ve run for over 30 years and it has definitely changed through every stage of life. I think it has to ebb and flow for everybody. For me, when I was having babies and then small kids, there were 10 years when I really didn’t run at all. Then before my divorce, my ex and I tried hard to work things out. We would go do four-hour runs together. I think that helped us get through some difficult times. Running helped us process those feelings. I think the understanding of each other’s perspective we gained on those runs let us still have a civil relationship after things didn’t work out. 

On running after turning 50 

In previous stages of life, I could do a half Ironman at the drop of a hat. I was teaching spin classes, coaching groups, and attending run clubs. That’s not where I’m at. But life balances out. The rest of my life is really happy. I have a great partner. It’s ok. I think some of those large volumes and higher achievements were coping mechanisms. 

As a not-quite-empty nester, it’s different now. I have a much more open schedule but not necessarily the durability in joints and muscles. I’m truly running for the enjoyment of it and not the competitive aspects, which I thrived on in my 30s and 40s. There have been times in my life when a 10-mile run was my daily run, and now a 10-mile run is something I have to build up to. I turned 50 this year, and I’m hoping to do a 50k in the fall. 

On running as a source of community 

My closest friends are people I’ve run with. We know everything about each other through what we’ve shared and overshared on runs. We’ve bonded over doing hard things and processing hard things, whether it’s relationship problems, job issues, or anything else we deal with in our lives.  

On competing priorities 

There were times when I prioritized my own mental health and went for a run and missed out on a bit of time with my kids when they were younger. But I think that sets an example for them too—this is one tool you always will have in your arsenal. You can get out there and use your body to help reset your brain. 

On how running brings people together 

I have friends I didn’t think I shared perspectives with until we started running together. My sister Nyla and I, part of our relationship to this day is how many miles we’ve put in together. My husband and I met through a running club and the running community. After we’d started dating, we got to know each other better by taking “runcations.” 

Brain chemistry studies show that strong bonds form while accomplishing hard tasks and doing hard things together like training for a first 5k, 10k, or half. You form these bonds of community and friendship that continue throughout your lives. 

Editor’s Note: Interview responses have been edited and condensed for clarity. 

Sarah Hauge is a writer, editor, and grant writer who lives in Spokane with her husband and children. She plans to run the Sundae Sunday 10 miler in September. 

The post Local Runner Profile: Nicole Coburn   appeared first on Out There Venture.

Charles Costa, a UK Musician formerly known as King Charles, is on a mission to Run 90 Marathons in 90 Days along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in an effort raise awareness for mental health.  

Costa is running to support the invaluable work carried out by The Jed Foundation, a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, and James’ Place, a UK-based charity dedicated to suicide prevention for men.  

The cause resonates deeply with Costa after a skiing accident 10 years ago left him with a brain trauma that continues to shape his mental health journey. Through the challenges he has faced, he has gained profound empathy for those grappling with similar struggles. Costa is now determined to turn his personal experience into a beacon of hope for others. He began his run at the Canadian border on July 20 with a goal to finish on Oct. 20 near the Mexico border.  

Follow along with Costa’s journey on Instagram @charlescostaofficial and donate to the cause for The Jed Foundation on CrowdChange and for James’ Place on GoFundMe. Costa will be joined by running clubs, other athletes, students, and organizations throughout his journey. If you’d like to join him, please reach out to sarah@treelinepr.com. (OTO) 

The post Musician to Run 90 marathons in 90 days on the PCT for Mental Health Awareness  appeared first on Out There Venture.

KEEP IT LOCAL

To get in the spirit, I picked up our 8-year-old from school and set off for some of our favorite local stores. We do our best to keep it local for the single reason that it keeps our community vibrant. At some of these stores, we know the owners by name, and they know us. They show us their favorite items in the store and usually have a story to go with it. They show our kiddo the loudest noise makers and delight in his delight. The purchases from these local stores pay local employees who are then more likely to spend their paychecks locally. More money stays in our community when we shop local. It’s a win-win.

The other thing about some of the specialty stores we’ve included in this guide is that they have finds our loved ones might never purchase for themselves. Sure, an Amazon gift card could cover the necessities and is appreciated. But, where else can you find a Great Blue Heron mobile that flies or a handmade mushroom mug? Shop local. It’s more interesting.

THE ART OF GIVING A GIFT

It’s not just the thrill of the find or wrapping it beautifully or watching someone open your gift with anticipation. A look of delight and gratitude on the receiver’s face can be so rewarding to the giver. Something small that says “I see you” deepens the bond between people.  When you consider the intrinsic value of a thoughtful gift, it can add fire to your gift search. And there are many types of gift-giving to consider—from material goods to outdoors experiences or donations to community organizations, we hope you enjoy this guide as much as we enjoyed shopping around town to find treasures for your loved ones.

BIKES/OUTDOOR GEAR

For the gearheads in your life, the options are endless. We’ve recently gifted the strider-riding kids we know nice helmets to protect their growing brains, in colors they love from North Division Bike Shop. Brenda, the owner, always helps us find the right gift, from the perfect bike to handlebar bells and baskets. Bike lights that help the cyclist in your life ride in the dark days of winter is always appreciated. You might not be able to gift the feeling of wind-in-your-hair, adrenaline-pumping fun, but you can gift the bike and accessories that make it easier (and safer) for them to get out there.

Shred Sports outlet on Division has your standard snow/water sports/ bike gear selection, but they also have some fun toys tucked away. The collection of Lucky Scooters can keep the whole family moving this spring. While we wait for the sun to warm us, gift the 686 Waterproof Hooded Puffer Blanket ($119). It can convert to a puffer poncho, and who couldn’t use a little more comfort and style this winter?

For the skier in your life, consider a pair of lift tickets. If they have a pass, consider gifting day passes to another resort to find some new favorite runs. Pair it with a fun, printed Black Strap Goggle Cover and they will think of you every time they cover and uncover their goggles ($15). Other ski gear: Smith Wireless Audio setup for helmets ($130) or a gear bag to keep it organized ($75-$130), all found at Alpine Haus.

For the paddler in your life, a backpack dry bag is useful for day trips and overnight trips. It’s useful for the boat, the beach, the paddleboard and keeping the rain away from your essentials. NRS, a local store in Moscow, Idaho, has a great selection. Go for the backpack version.

Some might think of Rambleraven Gear Trader as a consignment-only outdoor store, but it’s not. Sure, you will probably find a very gently used treasure in their racks of clothes and shoes, but you can also source new gear from them. It’s the local go-to for Spokane’s gear store. In Coeur d’Alene, check out Escape Outdoors in the Riverstone area.

If your person is a fitness fanatic, the Fitness Fanatics store has some great gift options. I’ve heard suggestions dropped around our house for a bike trainer. They have a nice selection. They also have a fabulous selection of snowshoes. We like the ultralight Atlas Helium ($230) with the largest pair weighing in at 3lbs, 12oz.

Wheel Sport has a store in every corner of Spokane, making it easy to stock up on items for your bike riders. And, if you are in the market to make a kid’s Christmas, check out their kids’ bike selection. For the tech-loving cyclist in your life, check out the Sigma Pure 1 ($45), a simple bike computer that can tell your rider how fast, how far and how long they’re going. Really, you are giving the gift of accurate bragging!

BOOKS AND MAPS

My reading habits have changed over time, from fiction and select learning to kids’ books. Auntie’s Bookstore has a healthy selection of every genre. We also wander through the journals, stickers, calendars, coloring books, tote bags, bookmarks and gifts before we hit the check-out stand. The other thing I love about Auntie’s is the trade in program. We can clean out our stacks of well-loved books and get credit for new books. It helps us detach from the books we’ve outgrown and find new books. We are currently reading “Spy Ski School,” though I have “The Cold Millions” by Jess Walter tucked into my nightstand. Give the gift of escape with a book!

Shopping locally for books is easy. Check out these other Spokane treasures: 42 Pages is full of used books for the budget conscious // Second Look Books on the South Hill also has an OTO rack! // Wishing Tree Books in the Perry neighborhood is a treasure of kids’ books and just feels good to wander around // Giant Nerd Books on Garland has a great selection of used and new books. // Book Traders, also on Garland, is a magic little store of used books. We came home with an armful of books.

Give the gift of navigation with the new summer and winter trail map of Mount Spokane State Park. Whether your giftee is a mountain biker, hiker, bird watcher, Nordic skier or trail runner, this map will help them plan their next adventure. Washington State Parks in partnership with the Friends of Mount Spokane produced this full-color, detailed map printed on waterproof, durable paper to last even the toughest treks. Maps can be purchased at our local REI, Fitness Fanatics, The Bike Hub, Mojo Cyclery and other local outdoor stores or online at inlandnwland.org.

CLASSES AND EXPERIENCES

Give the gift of feeling at home in your body. Yoga is not just for the flexible! A month of unlimited yoga classes from Harmony Yoga is an affordable and creative gift that says “love the body you are in.” The environment is welcoming to all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Tight muscles from running? Aging hips? Anxiety from life and work? Yoga can assist with soothing all the things. With free loaner mats and no mirrors, Harmony Yoga makes it easy to attend a class.

A good massage is one that not only helps your muscles and tissues feel better, but one that also calms the central nervous system. A gift card for a massage is a gift that will help someone find a massage therapist and get them on the table for some relaxing relief after their winter outdoor adventures.

Gifting experiences to kids enriches their lives. When my parents started to become overwhelmed by the number of people in our family, they shifted away from material gifts to a trip. This year, we are going to Silver Mountain in March to enjoy spring skiing and the water park. The combined condos make it easy to prepare and share meals and spend mornings watching cartoons with the little ones.

These other experiences make good gifts too: Ninja Classes for kids  at Spokane Gymnastics / Wild Walls Kids’ Climbing Clubs // Science & Stuffies sewing camps at Let’s Get Sewing // Spokane Parks and Recreation has an abundance of classes from art workshops to snowshoe dinners. 

Most resorts have ski lessons which can work with your schedule. Mt. Spokane has a full spring schedule of camps for skiers, for littles and older kids. The gift of skiing is giving the gift of loving winter!

Get creative with a food tour from Wander Spokane ($70), Cooking Class at Commellini Estates ($85), paddleboard or kayak season passes with Fun Unlimited ($160), or gift a Boat Club Membership for those who are having too much fun to maintain a boat, so they can walk onto one of the fleet ready to hit it at Carefree Boat Club of North Idaho (call for pricing).

OUTDOORS JEWELRY & CRYSTALS

If you love the outdoors, we are guessing you love nature. And if you love jewelry and nature, the combo makes a nice gift. My sister gifted me a necklace of a tiny silver Coeur d’Alene Lake from Solder & Stone. It’s a daily reminder of my love of water and our region. The Coeur d’Alene-based Bumblebee Jewelry (shop online) has handmade silver jewelry that donates a portion of each sale to Xerces Society to help protect the company’s namesake. Tracy Jewelry on Evergreen and Kizuri also had nice nature-inspired jewelry finds.

My Crystal Stop in north Spokane has a beautiful selection of crystals and jewelry. They can help pick out a special piece to match with the energy your loved one is creating in their life.

KITCHEN/COFFEE/FOOD

If you know someone who plays hard, but needs their coffee first, visit DOMA Coffee Roasting Company in Post Falls, Idaho, for craft coffee and accessories. Our van has an AeroPress and we highly recommend this for any coffee-loving camper. If you know someone who finds adventure in coffee, give them DOMA’s newest Gesha specialty coffee, complete with an original signed art label from local artist Jeff Weir. Or sign them up for a DOMA Coffee subscription, so they get awesome coffee delivered to their door. We love The Chronic dark roast (bonus groovy adventure van art on the label).

During the darker months, we tend to cook at home more. To spice up home-cooked creations, we love to use Inland Empire Spices on Monroe to give food special flavors. For burgers, we love the Smashburger Seasoning. For wild caught salmon, we use the Smokin’ Huckleberry Rub. For veggies, check out their Greek Seasoning. They also have gift sets where the tea and seasonings come in vials—these would be perfect tucked into stockings!

When shopping at the Main Market Co-op in downtown Spokane, we were delighted to find kitchen goods that reminded us of our love for nature. I found beautiful juice glasses with poppies, sea creatures, bees and trillium. Pair the set with homemade cranberry syrup and soda water for a nature-inspired mocktail set.

An adventurer who is also a chef/bbq master/veggie lover or just plain foodie might be delighted by a box of ingredients! LINC Foods has a subscription for all things local—even a beer box. The Herd, a ranch in eastern Washington, has beef boxes that ship farm-raised beef to your door. Gift the whole box or take out a steak for your own BBQ.

TOYS

Though kids appreciate the holidays for religious reasons or the outdoor snow play, the most exciting gift that most any kid will cite are the toys. The Red Rider BB gun is not on the list in our house, but these creative, local and sustainable toys are.

Games from Uncle’s Games or Merlyn’s: Card games and board games bring connection throughout the year. Our favorites are Uno Flip, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, and any Harry Potter Game. For a more complex game, check out Forbidden Desert, recommended for ages 10+. This co-op board game has you excavating a solar-powered flying machine while trying to stay alive in the outdoor elements of a desert storm. We found this one at Whiz Kids. Hunt around and see if there’s a new game that will delight your family for hours in these dark months.

Whiz Kids also has a fun science section with telescopes, microscopes and experiments. They have one for understanding climate change, which can be hard to understand the how and why even for the science-minded kid. For the art-focused kids, they have kits to learn knitting by making butterflies and DIY kaleidoscope kits. There will be a Transforming Sphere under our tree this year. I’m not sure why these are so popular, but I’m sure the kids can tell you!

Boo Radley’s is a trove of treasures for every age. Kids love the interesting and unique finds, from tin lunch boxes to finger puppets, unique stuffies and toys.

For those kids who miss the toy section of The White Elephant, look no farther than just a few blocks north at The General Store. The selection of toys, games and Lego sets will keep any kiddo busy for hours. Don’t forget to shop for classics that will inspire outdoor time like a set of kid’s binoculars or a good old-fashioned sled.

A few more things on our list: Toddlers love the bike rider on a stick found at Kizuri. The “instruments” (aka noise makers) at Kizuri are also a kid favorite, though some of them might need to stay at grandma’s house. Art supplies from Spokane Art Supply on Monroe are sure to delight the little or big artists on your list.

PERSONAL CARE

If your loved one ventures off the trail and into the wild, a year subscription to Life Flight is most likely on the need list. Paired with a satellite communication device, we have been happy to have this combo on river-trips, backcountry ski adventures and high mountain bikepacking slogs. Not only does it save lives, it helps the ones left home to relax and know that you have a plan in case of an emergency. It might be the best care item on our list.

The Dragon Balm XTRA Strength ($32) from APEX Cannabis can help soothe tired muscles that play hard. We’ve been happy to have it after a long day of skiing or even just after sitting at the computer for a while. They have a variety, so you can pick up a lavender scented cream or one that will leave you smelling like a Chinese herb store. If you know someone who struggles to sleep, or sleep in a tent/unfamiliar place, consider gifting Lil Rays, 100mg shooters. They can take the edge off and help someone get to sleep. Is there a better gift than good sleep?

When I think of gifts that make my life better, but I won’t buy for myself, these two things come to mind. First, IV Therapy. Gifting someone hydration and nutrition through a needle in their arm might seem strange, until you see the benefits. We had Carlee at IV Offerings come to our house (yes, she does home visits) to administer a migraine solution of magnesium, b & c vitamins and other things that might not absorb as well in my celiac gut. It goes right into the blood stream and the results are fewer migraines. Second, personal training for a set period of time. As the New Year Wellness season kicks off, starting the season with someone who is invested in your fitness journey can keep you going past February. Donnie at Torq Personal Training has created a welcoming, kind environment with tools to help day to day between workout sessions. //

Shallan Knowles is the designer and co-publisher of Out There.

The post Out There’s Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Out There Venture.

The starting area move to Green Bluff has been very popular with S2S participants, giving them a beautiful farm setting start line, country roads, and a safer traverse across North Spokane on the Children of the Sun Trail. Upon reaching the Spokane River at Nine Mile, teams travel east on the Centennial Trail through Bowl and Pitcher, downtown Spokane, Spokane Valley, Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene. Overnight, they make their way north on Idaho backroads all the way to Priest River, then follow the Pend Oreille south shore all the way to the Long Bridge and into Sandpoint for a celebratory finish with their teammates at Trinity City Beach in Sandpoint.

New this year will be the Running Club Competition. Clubs from Spokane and beyond will be competing for a new S2S traveling trophy that will reside at the winning club’s home venue for the following year. Also, coming this fall, NxNW will be launching a new event called the Inland Relay, scheduled for September 30. A one-day event for teams of five, the Inland Relay will be a roving event, with a different course each year highlighting areas of the Inland Northwest. The inaugural course will start in Rosalia, come north on farm roads to Cheney, then come into downtown on the Fish Lake Trail for a finish at Brick West Brewing. Details will be available soon at NxNWRelays.com.

Back at the S2S, Spokane does seem to have an ongoing love affair with this unique event. Teams with names like Forest Gump’s Groupies, Herd of Turtles, and PR or ER enjoy decorating their vans and other vehicles and dressing up in themed costumes to increase the frivolity of their weekend experience. Although there are some seriously competitive teams in the S2S, most participants and spectators describe the relay as ‘a party going down the road.’ This year’s Spokane to Sandpoint Relay will start at Green Bluff on Friday morning, July 21, and finish about 30 hours later Saturday afternoon on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille. By the time teams reach Sandpoint, they will have covered 200 miles and will be ready to celebrate their great accomplishment together.

Dave Luke

The post Spokane to Sandpoint Changes and New Relay appeared first on Out There Venture.

In the interest of saving time, I almost always run from home. But at this point I’ve been up the hill, down the hill, to the east, to the west, around my favorite loop, past the school, through the park trail, just . . . everywhere. Dozens of times.

My brain is bored, my body is bored, and I can feel aches and pains increasing, probably because I’m running similar distances on similar terrain repeatedly. I sense a deep need to shake things up.

Perhaps you, like me, could do with a little change of pace? Here is some of what I’d like to try.

Meet a Friend

It’s harder to be bored with a buddy. When the conversation is flowing, it matters less if you’ve already run the current route countless times before. And, bonus, your friend very likely has some routes in their back pocket that aren’t part of your usual repertoire.

Plus, you’ll likely shake up your pace a bit—your pal might go a bit faster or slower than you do, or prefer a different distance. This is great: It mixes things up for your over-it brain and your bored/sore muscles, provides catch-up time with a friend, and makes your run something to enjoy rather than slog through.

Try a Running Club

Like running with a friend—a lot of friends. A running club gives you a whole pool of people who all enjoy the same activity you do. Plus joining a club takes away some of the mental work, telling you what routes to run and when. Anything that brings new people and places into your life is a win.

Sign Up for a New Race or a New Distance

Always do the same annual 10K, Turkey Trot, or marathon? Make things interesting by registering for something new. Committed to half marathons? Sign up for a 5K or mile race.

Regularly do 10Ks? How about a sprint triathlon or a marathon relay? Need an adventure? Try a long-distance relay or an ultra trail race.

You might discover you’re really good—or really bad, which is exciting in its own way—at something you’ve never before considered.

Look for a New Route

Take one day a week and commit to driving to a new starting point: a trail run at Riverside State Park, a circuit that takes you around a series of neighborhood parks on the other side of town, or a hilly off-road adventure up Mica Peak.

Your mind will appreciate the new location, and your body will be grateful for any variation in terrain.

Take Some Time Off

Just because you’re a runner doesn’t mean you can’t ever take a break. If you’re sick of running, you don’t have to force it. Rest.

Do something else you love—hike, bike, swim, play some disc golf. Sign up for a yoga class, or a climbing package at Wild Walls or Bloc Yard. Focus on strength training. (See “Become a Better Runner with Yoga” and “Five Beginner Yoga Poses for Runners.”)

Or just dial your mileage way, way down to maybe one or two days of running each week (depending on what is your normal). Any new activities you attempt during this time—SUPping, or martial arts, or spinning, or tap dancing—are providing something for you through their very different-ness.

Originally published as “Running Rut Remedy” in the September-October 2021 issue.

Photos: (top left) Running at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. (top left) // Jon Jonckers; Running Club (top right); Spokane’s High Drive Bluff (bottom left); Mica Peak trails. // Holly Weiler; Spokane running clubs (bottom right).

To learn about Northwest running clubs, visit the OTO archives.

Find more Run Wild columns here.

The post 5 Ways Out of a Running Rut appeared first on Out There Venture.

They’ve tried cross-country and running clubs. They get started, attend a few times—and then they quit. It’s not fun, they’re too hungry, too hot, too bored; they want to read, they want to go home.

This summer, I heard about something new: a kids half marathon challenge. They’d commit to running 13.1 miles over the month of September. Given past experience I knew I was imagining something that was unrealistic, and yet I saw it this way: Us going for every-other-daily one-mile runs in the crisp morning air, starting with run/walk combos, chatting happily. With practice we’d go a little faster, returning home elated and breathless. They’d learn in elementary school what I didn’t discover until college: Running is the best! With their okay, I signed up my two daughters, ages 7 and 9.

We started strong, jogging with occasional walk breaks for two separate 1-mile outings. Then, we hit a snag: My 7-year-old was OVER IT. It turns out she’d only agreed to this whole thing because I’d misspoken and said every finisher would receive a trophy. (Note: evidently, a medal is an infinitely lesser object.) She slowed to a statement-making walk that said, “You have betrayed me, and this whole thing is dumb.”

And then, the wildfire smoke arrived. For 10 days, running outside was off the table. Our next “3 miles” were 1) running, walking, and jump roping in the house, 2) a mile’s worth of dancing, as best as my Garmin could guestimate, and 3) lots of jumping on the trampoline.

At that point, the smoke cleared, but the truth was obvious: Running wasn’t happening. We casually walked the rest of our miles.

Running has made me stronger, eased my anxiety, shown me beautiful things. But running also reminds me what every parent needs to hear sometimes: My kids are not me. And thank goodness for that. My kids love to dance. They love to jump. They’re obsessed with swimming. They circle around and around our living room, leaping from dilapidated couch cushion to wobbly Ikea coffee table. They dash to the neighbor’s tree swing during breaks from virtual learning. They sprint across my bedroom and launch into diving somersaults across the bed. They already know, by instinct, what their bodies love.

During our less-than-perfect half-marathon, we discovered that a tree we’ve been passing by for years is ideal for climbing. Even now that September has ended, we’ve walked there together. My girls have learned to navigate its angled trunk and sturdy branches. I’ve listened to their triumphant whoops and cheerful shrieks as they plot how to climb the highest they’ve ever been and bicker over who gets to sit where. Sometimes I wander near the trunk bored, wishing I’d brought a book. Tree-climbing isn’t something I especially enjoy. But it reminds me of another important thing: Our incredible good fortune. My kids are happy, healthy, and wholly themselves. What else, really, is there?

Sarah Hauge is a writer and editor who lives in Spokane with her husband and two daughters. She wrote about yoga for runners in the previous issue.

The post Running with My Girls appeared first on Out There Venture.

Spring will be here before we know it, and the Spokane Great Outdoors and Bike Expo at the Spokane Convention Center on Feb 22-23 is the Inland Northwest’s kickoff to the spring and summer outdoor season. The event includes over 70 vendors including bike and gear shops, zipline companies, bike parks, travel destinations, outdoor clubs and agencies, hourly gear prize giveaways, and plenty of clinics and activities for kids and adults. If you’re thinking about a new mountain bike, e-bike, or road or around-town bike this spring, the Expo is the place to test ride bikes indoors and ask local shop staff all your questions in one place.

Tons of Outdoors Fun Inside for Kids & Families

The Expo is a treat for kids and parents too; there’s a game area, kid-friendly bouldering wall, s’more making, kids demo bikes, bear and wildlife display, hands-on fossil exhibit, storytelling, and a Kids Adventure Passport where kids get a free bag with prizes for visiting all of the kids’ activities (while they last). All kids under age 12 get in for free too. As an added bonus, all tickets purchased early online are $2 off and come with a free outdoor adventure giveaway from Wild Walls, Fun Unlimited, Silver Mountain Bike Park, or Timberline Adventures that are valued at up to $30 (while they last). Get your tickets online now to score this awesome giveaway and save $2 on each ticket. Tickets also get access to the Spokane Golf Show.

Free Clinics, Presentations, & Activities (with admission)

SATURDAY, February 22

9 AM: Free Camp Coffee.  Join REI in the Campground central camp-themed gathering area for a cup of camp coffee.

10 AM: Great Gear Giveaway Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win thousands of dollars in outdoor gear prizes!

10:15 Flat Fix Face-off. Ever struggle to patch a flat bike tire out on the trail? Watch two pros from local bike shops face off to fix a bike tire flat as fast as they can. And get a chance to win prizes just for watching!

11 AM-4 PM: Free S’mores in the REI Campground. Roast one of your favorite camp treats on an indoor “campfire.”

11 AM: Great Gear Giveaway Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win thousands of dollars in outdoor gear prizes!

11:10-11:35: Outdoor-Themed Story Reading & Puppet Show. Four-time award-winning author, Joseph Drumheller, will be giving an outdoor-themed presentation for kids 4-8, including book readings and an interactive puppet show.

11: 40 AM: Camp knots. Knowing the right knots can make your next outdoor adventure more fun and enjoyable!

12 PM: Great Gear Giveaway Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win thousands of dollars in outdoor gear prizes!

12:40 PM: Backcountry cooking. Check out the latest camp cooking gear and learn how to create culinary delights in the backcountry.

1 PM: Great Gear Giveaway Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win thousands of dollars in outdoor gear prizes!

1:10-1:50 PM: Respectful and Ethical Wildlife Photos and Photography.

When not working with wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) biologist Candace Bennett is photographing it. In this seminar, she will provide tips on how to get good shots, recommend basic photography equipment and settings, and settings you can use on your phone to get great photos and not disturb the animals. She will also address the ethical aspect of wildlife photography. There have been many cases of either animals or humans being injured or killed when people get too close to take photos. Candace will talk about some general guidelines for keeping yourself and the animals you are photographing safe, as well as signals that an animal may be stressed.

1:40 PM:  Water treatment. Stay hydrated out there. Try different water filters and learn how to use them properly.

2 PM: Great Gear Giveaway Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win thousands of dollars in outdoor gear prizes!

2:10-2:30 PM: Using Bear Spray the Right Way. Learn why bear spray has failed to work in some instances and how other people here in the Northwest have used bear spray to effectively protect themselves. Be Bear Aware will show you how to properly use your bear spray for maximum effectiveness in case you run into an agitated charging bear while out hiking, camping, or biking. 

2:40 PM: Hammocking 101. Learn how to use the best hammock gear and to set a hammock up the right way.

3 PM: Great Gear Giveaway Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win thousands of dollars in outdoor gear prizes!

3:10-3:35 PM: Outdoor-Themed Story Reading & Puppet Show. Four-time award-winning author, Joseph Drumheller, will be giving an outdoor-themed presentation for kids 4-8, including book readings and an interactive puppet show.

4 PM: Great Gear Giveaway Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win thousands of dollars in outdoor gear prizes!

4:15 PM: Tent Pitching Contest sponsored by Big Agnes. Putting up a tent after a long drive or hike to a favorite campsite can test even the best relationship. Watch two couples face-off to pitch a Big Agnes tent as fast as they can. And the winners take home a Big Agnes tent! To enter, email us at info@outthereventure.com with “Tent Pitching Contest” in the subject line and tell us why you should be one of the couples in this contest.

4:50 PM: Great Gear Giveaway Grand Prize Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win one of our grand prizes!

SUNDAY, February 23

10 AM: Free Camp Coffee.  Join REI in the Campground central camp-themed gathering area for a cup of camp coffee.

10:10-10:55 AM: Wildlife Safety: Play Smart in Bear & Cougar Country. While bears and cougars are like every other wild animal and mostly make themselves scarce in the presence of humans, there are some steps to avoid having negative interactions with them when recreating in nature. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist Annemarie Prince will draw from her training and extensive time in the woods to share how to avoid running into predators, what to do if you do, and dispel some common misconceptions about bears and cougars in our areas. She will also talk about correct use of bear spray for the safety of all involved.  

11 AM-3 PM: Free S’mores in the REI Campground. Roast one of your favorite camp treats on an indoor “campfire.”

11 AM: Great Gear Giveaway Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win thousands of dollars in outdoor gear prizes!

11:10-11:35: Outdoor-Themed Story Reading & Puppet Show. Four-time award-winning author, Joseph Drumheller, will be giving an outdoor-themed presentation for kids 4-8, including book readings and an interactive puppet show.

11:40 AM: Bike Packing Basics. Learn how to prepare and pack for a camping trip with your bike!

12 PM: Great Gear Giveaway Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win thousands of dollars in outdoor gear prizes!

12:40 PM: Navigation Basics. Don’t get lost in the great outdoors. This clinic will show you how to get where you want to go in the mountains.

1 PM: Great Gear Giveaway Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win thousands of dollars in outdoor gear prizes!

1:10-1:30 PM: Using Bear Spray the Right Way. Learn why bear spray has failed to work in some instances and how other people here in the Northwest have used bear spray to effectively protect themselves. Be Bear Aware will show you how to properly use your bear spray for maximum effectiveness in case you run into an agitated charging bear while out hiking, camping, or biking.  

1:40 PM: How to Fix a Bike Tire Flat. This basic flat-fixing clinic may keep you from getting stranded with your bike miles from home.

2 PM: Great Gear Giveaway Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win thousands of dollars in outdoor gear prizes!

3 PM: Outdoor Dog Fashion Show. Celebrate our canine outdoor friends at our Northwest-style dog show with a focus on outdoor gear, tricks, and outdoorsy flair.

3:50 PM: Great Gear Giveaway Grand Prize Drawing. Enter at the Out There Venture booth for a chance to win one of our grand prizes!

Find event info at Spokaneoutdoorexpo.com. 

The post Kick Off Spring at the 2020 Great Outdoors & Bike Expo (Feb 22-23) appeared first on Out There Venture.

RUNNING CLUBS

Trail Maniacs: For trail runners as well as mountain bikers and hikers, this group hosts races and other events.

SoHi Running Club: This informal group meets Mondays year-round—rain or shine, and also on holidays—at Miguel’s Mexican Restaurant at 6 p.m. on Spokane’s South Hill.

Fleet Feet Running Club: Weekly group runs and a No Boundaries 5k Training Program are offered through Spokane and Spokane Valley Fleet Feet store locations. Schedule includes Monday trail runs, Tuesday strength training workouts and drills, Wednesday speed workouts, and Saturday long, slow distance runs.

Spokane Valley Running Club: Also referred to as the Spokane Valley Bison Running Club, group meets at 5:50 p.m. at Monkey Bar, in Spokane Valley. Runs begin at 6 p.m.

Bloomsday Road Runners Club (meets Tuesdays & Saturdays): Group runs start at 8 a.m. on Saturday mornings at Kendall Yards from the parking lot by Central Food. On Tuesday evenings speedwork is done at the Spokane Community College track; warmup begins at 6 p.m. Club’s website is the go-to resource for local running news and includes an event calendar of regional races and local club runs.

Palouse Road Runners: This Moscow, Idaho-based group has coached workouts at the University of Idaho track at 6 p.m on Tuesdays.

Flightless Birds Running Club: Cheney-based group meets at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesdays at Barrelhouse Pub & Pizza; run begins at 6.

Lantern Run Club: Meets weekly at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays in Spokane’s Perry District at Lantern Tap House.

The Monterey Café Running Club: Meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays during Daylight Savings time from March to November at Monterey Café in downtown Spokane (group formerly known as c:nextIT/run).

Spokane Swifts: A women’s running club that primarily focuses on training goals and competitive racing. Group practices take place year-round on Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. The Lilac Bloomsday 12K is the team’s annual race.

Palouse Falls Beer Chasers: Group meets weekly on Wednesdays at Birch & Barley Restaurant in Pullman at 5:30 p.m.

High Drive Highlanders: Meets at Rocket Market on Spokane’s South Hill at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays for weekly 5K group runs.

Green Bluff Running Club: Meets weekly on Wednesdays in Mead at Big Barn Brewery at 6 p.m. for group runs or walks.

Iron Goat Running Club: Meets weekly on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at Iron Goat Tap Room in downtown Spokane.

Flying Irish Running Club: Runners and walkers meet weekly on Thursdays at 5:45 p.m. at Chateau Rive near the Spokane Arena.

Liberty Lake Running Club: Weekly 3-mile run/walk begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Liberty Lake Physical Therapy.

Millwood Milers: Group meets weekly at 6 p.m. on Thursdays at Millwood Brewing Company in the community of Millwood east of Spokane.

Spokane Moms Run This Town/She Runs This Town: The Spokane chapter of this national organization meets on Fridays, year-round, at 9:30 a.m. at the Manito Park duck pond for 3-5 mile runs. According to local chapter leader Noelle Lovoi, the group occasionally meets at Kendall Yards, and runners should request to join the private Facebook group to learn more. Runs are open to all fitness abilities, interest levels, and run paces.

Nike+ Run Club: These weekly Friday morning runs meet at 6 a.m. in front of the Nike store in downtown Spokane.

Manito Running Club: Meets at Manito Park on Saturdays at 8 a.m. in the 18th and Grand parking lot.

Manito Night Shift: Work a non-traditional schedule? This informal group was created for Spokane-area runners to connect and plan group runs anytime, day or night. Join the group’s Facebook page to learn the schedule.

Beers & Blisters Running Group: Meets on Sundays at 9 a.m. at My Fresh Basket in Kendall Yards.

Sunday Slugs: Meets weekly at 8 a.m. at Manito Park on Spokane’s South Hill in the 18th and Grand parking lot for scenic walks or runs starting from the duck pond.

Spokane Distance Project: A dues-based men’s running club that provides a competitive team and training program for post-collegiate athletes.  

Palisades Running Club: Request to join group’s Facebook page to learn the schedule; meets near Palisades Park in west Spokane.

SPRING RACES & EVENTS

Get active and outside with these spring races and fun runs. For a more complete list of Inland Northwest running events, check out our Race, Ride & Event Guide online at OutThereOutdoors.com.

Negative Split Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K (April 7): Based in Kendall Yards, event now incorporates the annual Hunger Run.

Hauser Lake Icebreaker 5K & 10K Run (April 7): USATF-certified 10K course and Bloomsday second-seed qualifier. Runners and walkers with strollers or dogs are welcome.

Palouse 100K Relay & Solo Run (April 7): 100K Ultra Relay, 100K 10-person relay, 100K 5-person relay, and 100K Solo, organized by Palouse Road Runners.

Spring Dash (April 27): 5-mile Bloomsday second-seed qualifier race in Coeur d’Alene at McEuen Park.

Spokane River Run (April 28): 5, 10, 25, and 50K races plus 50K relay race at Riverside State Park.

Lilac Bloomsday Run (May 5): 12K race for runners and walkers of all paces. Wheelchairs and strollers welcome.

Priest Lake Marathon, Half-Marathon, 50K Ultra, & 5K Family Fun Run (May 11): Backcountry trail run through the Panhandle National Forest.

Trail Maniacs Farragut Trail Run (May 17-18): Weekend event at Farragut State Park includes a 5, 10, and 25K and free kids race.

Windermere Marathon & Half-Marathon (May 19): Flat and fast Boston-qualifier course along the Spokane River.

Coeur d’Alene Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K & 5K run/walk (May 26): New marathon course organized by Negative Split. Strollers allowed for 5K. //

Amy S. McCaffree is Out There’s special section editor. She wrote the Inland Northwest Race, Ride & Event Guide in March.

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